Small Business Tips
As a self-employed small-business owner, you’re more aware than most that there are only so many hours in a day. That’s at odds with the almost infinite number of things you’d like to get done.
Read our top tips on how the self-employed can get a quart from a pint pot.
Identify important tasks, then delegate
Going self-employed means being able to delegate. Filter tasks down to team members and you’ll be able to focus on what’s really important on your to-do list. But what are those crucial tasks? Check your to-do list and work out which items only you can do. Then find colleagues or contractors who can do the rest.
Prioritise your to-do list
Self-employment requires you to go through your to-do list to identify your most urgent tasks. Those that you must do right away should be at the top. Longer-term projects can be listed separately, so they don’t distract you from what’s urgent.
Eat the frog before lunch
We all like to put off less-desirable tasks – ‘eating the frog’. There’ll be some on your to-do list right now. But delaying them can negatively affect your other work because they’ll always be in the back of your mind. Get them out of the way before lunch and then enjoy the rest of your day.
Forget multitasking
Multitasking is for mugs. Studies have shown that we’re slower when we try to do two things at once. The highest priority task of any day is the one you’re doing right now. Do it thoroughly, then move on systematically.
Set a timer
For longer tasks that you can’t do all at once, work out how long you expect to spend. Then put a timer on them, so you don’t overlook your other tasks.
Finish quick jobs first
On your to-do list, you’ll have quick jobs such as emails and phone calls. Do them right away. You’ll feel like you accomplished something and it will help with your productivity. Then focus on your bigger projects with renewed enthusiasm.
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